A London branch of campaign group Momentum isn't just focused on the Labour party any more

Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn is widely expected to be again confirmed as the party's leader next week (Source: Getty)

Mark Sands

Civil war between Labour MPs and backers of Jeremy Corbyn is spilling over into the Co-op party, with London members of the Corbynist Momentum campaign now seeking to gain representation in their sister group.

In an email sent to members on 12 September, the Greenwich group wrote: “There are now some signs that the [Parliamentary Labour Party] and their local associates are now actively engaging with the Greenwich branch of the Co-op party which meets every six weeks.”

“We need to turn out in force at the Co-op Party Greenwich AGM....to ensure that it is not used by the right to further their aims.

“If anyone wishes to stand as a Co-op delegate to their relevant constituency party, please let us know as soon as possible.”

The Greenwich group made the call just two days after the Co-op party's chair warned it wouldn't tolerate entryism.

Speaking at the party's conference on 10 September, chair Gareth Thomas said: “The Co-operative party has a strong interest in seeing the Labour party come through its current travails, because they are our electoral partner and many of us are members of both parties.

He added: “We say to our brothers and sisters in the Labour family – if you share our co-operative values and principles please join us in our task of creating a more co-operative Britain. If you want to use our Party for other ends then you should think again because the Co-operative party national executive committee have been clear that we will not tolerate entryism of any form. From any group.”

Co-op party rules mean that new joiners are unable to stand for election until at least three months after joining - meaning members of the campaign would have had to become part of the Co-op in August to be elected at the local AGM in November. However, recent recruits are still allowed to vote.

A Momentum spokesman said: “Labour members across the country were concerned by press reports that the Co-op might be used as a vehicle by those who oppose Jeremy Corbyn and his ideas to sabotage our efforts to take on the Tories.

“Momentum members are part of organisations right across the Labour movement, including the Co-op and are free to take part in their democratic processes.”